Fundraisers Help Poorly Babies to Breathe More Easily

Published on: 7 Apr, 2017
Updated on: 10 Apr, 2017

Hascombe Ward staff with the high flow oxygen machines

Poorly babies are receiving breathing support thanks to Royal Surrey County Hospital’s dedicated fundraisers.

The hospital has purchased five high flow oxygen machines for the Children’s “Hascombe” Ward after generous donations topped the £10,000 target.

The machines will predominantly be used for babies and young children who are suffering from bronchiolitis, a lower respiratory tract infection.

It is hoped that the kit will help reduce the number of infants requiring intensive care treatment, which currently is only available in London.

Nicky Waghorn, Senior Sister on Hascombe Ward, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors, many of whom were the parents of former patients.

“One of the hospital’s safeguarding nurses, Vicky Scott, also took on a number of gruelling challenges to help us hit our fundraising target.

“The machines are already being put to good use on Hascombe Ward and are making a real difference.

“Previously, babies suffering from bronchiolitis had to be placed in an oxygen box, which made it difficult for parents to hold and feed their child.

“Skin to skin contact helps calm unsettled babies day or night, in hospital or at home, not just after birth.

“The high flow oxygen machines have made it so much easier, as mothers are able to pick up their babies and have a better chance of continuing to feed as normal.”